Ameer Randolph
Race cars are modified to run on a variety of fuels, depending on the type of car and the race. NASCAR engines, for example, burn 110-octane leaded gasoline, while IndyCar series cars run on pure methanol, which can increase power output by running at extremely high compression ratios. Top fuel dragsters and funny cars burn nitromethane, which contains a great deal of energy per unit volume. Race fuels differ from regular fuels in their octane rating, additive content, and quality control. Race fuels have much higher octane ratings, allowing for increased compression ratios and performance, and may contain extra additives such as ethanol, methanol, and lead to boost octane levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Leaded gasoline, Methanol, Ethanol, Nitrous, Nitromethane |
| Octane rating | 100-120 |
| Additives | Tetraethyl lead (TEL), Ethanol, Methanol |
| Engine compatibility | High-performance engines, high-compression engines, or turbochargers |
| Performance | Increased compression ratios and power output |
| Safety | Methanol fires can be extinguished with water |
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What You'll Learn
Leaded Gasoline
However, due to health and environmental concerns, leaded gasoline has been largely phased out in favour of unleaded fuel. In the 1970s, many advanced countries began the process of removing lead from their fuel, and by the 1980s and 1990s, leaded gasoline was no longer available for street vehicles in the United States. Despite this, leaded gasoline remained legal for automotive racing in the US until 2007.
The continued use of leaded gasoline in racing had significant negative health impacts on communities living near race tracks, with increased elderly mortality rates observed. Studies have estimated that the removal of lead from racing fuel has saved millions of dollars in avoided premature deaths, highlighting the toxic nature of lead emissions.
Today, leaded gasoline is rarely used in racing, with most racers having switched to unleaded fuel options. While some vintage racers with older engines may still rely on leaded gasoline to extend the life of their valvetrain, it is not recommended for use with oxygen sensors or catalytic converters, which are becoming more common in race engines.
Overall, the use of leaded gasoline in modified race cars has evolved over time, with a shift towards safer and more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives. While leaded gasoline played a significant role in the history of motorsports, the health and environmental consequences have led to its gradual phase-out in favour of unleaded racing fuels.
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Methanol Fuel
Methanol is an effective fuel in forced-induction applications like turbocharging and supercharging. It absorbs so much heat that an intercooler is often unnecessary. Gasoline, on the other hand, offers a narrow tuning window with a maximum-power rich air/fuel ratio of roughly 12.5:1. Methanol can go as rich as 4:1 without losing power, and there is very little downside to running extra-rich with methanol.
Methanol also has safety advantages. A methanol fire can be extinguished with water, and it helps engines run cooler, reducing corrosion compared to standard methanol blends.
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Ethanol Fuel
Ethanol is a popular fuel choice for race cars, with the IndyCar Series and NASCAR now using ethanol fuel. It is a high-octane biofuel that enhances engine performance and allows for more efficient engine designs. Ethanol's octane rating is 113, and it is added to petroleum-based fuels to create a blend with at least 87 octane for use in modern vehicles.
Ethanol is an excellent solvent, reducing carbon build-up in the engine ports and combustion chamber. It also reduces the likelihood of moisture build-up in an engine. The cleaner burn of ethanol promotes cleaner air and positively impacts engine performance. It displaces aromatic hydrocarbons in gasoline, which are known carcinogens often used to boost octane. Ethanol contains oxygen, contributing to thorough and efficient fuel oxidation, reducing unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
Ethanol is also a more affordable fuel option. While burning a given volume of ethanol emits slightly less thermal energy than burning the same volume of gasoline, a 15% ethanol blend costs 3 to 5% less per gallon. Consumers save over 1.5% per mile when switching to a higher ethanol blend.
Extensive testing has shown that all vehicles since 2001 are built with modern materials, allowing them to run on fuels containing up to 15% ethanol. Automakers approve E15 for use in 90% of new cars, and the EPA approves its use in nine out of ten cars on the road today. Sunoco, the official fuel of NASCAR, developed Sunoco Green E15, which contains 15% ethanol by weight.
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Nitrous
To install a nitrous oxide system, one must first find a safe place to mount the nitrous bottle. This is followed by installing a nitrous line by removing the carburetor and setting up the nitrous plate, along with the necessary wiring. Nitrous kits are available and can be more affordable compared to turbo or supercharger systems. It is important to note that NOS may not be permitted for street or highway use, and its use in auto racing depends on local regulations. While it can provide significant performance enhancements, proper safety guidelines must be followed to ensure safe use and prevent engine damage.
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Nitromethane
The history of nitromethane use in racing dates back to the late 1930s, when it was first utilised in the Auto Union Grand Prix by German car racer Berndt Rosemeyer, who unfortunately lost his life while attempting to set a new speed record. In the late 1940s, American hot rodders began experimenting with nitromethane, and its popularity in racing grew. Today, nitromethane is commonly used in racing cars around the globe, especially in drag racing and in modified engines designed to handle this potent fuel.
While nitromethane offers significant performance advantages, it also poses safety concerns. It is essentially a liquid explosive, containing more than twice the energy per unit volume compared to gasoline. The combustion of nitromethane produces nitric oxide (NO), which contributes to air pollution, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. Additionally, the extreme heat generated by nitromethane combustion can cause issues with spark plugs and other engine components, requiring careful calculations of fuel ratios and specialised engine designs to manage the high demands of this potent fuel.
To ensure the safe and effective use of nitromethane, it is crucial to have a customised engine designed specifically to handle nitro fuel. Conventional engines are not compatible with nitromethane, and attempting to use it in an unmodified engine can lead to engine damage or failure. The National Hot Rod Association and the Academy of Model Aeronautics do not permit the use of nitromethane in competitions due to its potential safety hazards.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel used in modified race cars depends on the type of car and the race. NASCAR engines, for instance, burn 110-octane leaded gasoline, while Indy cars burn pure methanol.
Methanol has been a preferred fuel for race car drivers and teams for decades due to its lower cost and higher octane rating compared to gasoline. It also burns cleaner, is less flammable, and burns at a lower temperature than gasoline.
Methanol has less energy content than gasoline, so vehicles get about half the mileage per gallon. It also requires a different air-to-fuel ratio to be used efficiently.
